A second-alarm fire has reportedly broken out at or near Bren Mar Park Elementary School in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, Virginia.
According to Alert Page, crews reported heavy flames coming from the two-story building upon arrival at 6344 Beryl Road.
Visuals shared on social media showed dense plumes of smoke rising into the sky, visible from Edsall Road near Interstate 395.
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Heavy flames, large-scale response
Fire officials said flames were first spotted around 3:20 pm. The fire appeared to originate from the rear section of the two-storey school building, Bren Mar Park Elementary School.
Crews encountered “heavy fire showing” upon arrival, according to Nationwide Emergency & Notification Alerts. The fire prompted an immediate escalation to a second alarm, which typically indicates a larger and more complex firefighting operation requiring additional personnel and equipment.
Dave Statter, who reports on fire and EMS news on X, shared a video in which firefighters were seen battling the blaze from outside the structure, using aerial ladder trucks to pour large volumes of water onto the flames.
{{/usCountry}}Dave Statter, who reports on fire and EMS news on X, shared a video in which firefighters were seen battling the blaze from outside the structure, using aerial ladder trucks to pour large volumes of water onto the flames.
{{/usCountry}}No Injuries, investigation underway
Despite the scale of the blaze, officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported. The school was not in session at the time of the fire, which likely prevented casualties.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation, with officials expected to examine structural conditions, electrical systems, and other possible factors.
Local agencies, including Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, are leading the investigation and are expected to release further updates as more details emerge.
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Viral footage and public reaction
The dramatic visuals shared by residents and passersby online show towering flames and thick smoke.
A user on X shared an image under Statter's update on the fire and wrote, “Thanks for that. Thick smoke was blowing over Kingstowne (picture from 3:30), and I wondered where it was coming from.”
A video shared by Fairfax County Fire on X shows heavy grey smoke as firefighters spray water at the building, trying to bring the fire under control.